News Summary
Elton John’s Concert for Cures garnered $11.5 million for cancer research, marking the largest single-day fundraising event in San Diego’s history. Hosted at Petco Park, the concert attracted over 27,000 attendees, highlighting the community’s commitment to cancer awareness and research funding. Curebound, the organization behind the event, emphasized the importance of ongoing support for innovative cancer treatments. The concert, an emotional showcase of John’s hits, underscored the urgent need for continued funding amidst recent budget cuts at the National Cancer Institute, fostering hope for future breakthroughs.
San Diego – Elton John’s Concert for Cures raised an impressive $11.5 million for cancer research during an event held on May 9, 2025, at Petco Park. This remarkable fundraising achievement makes it the largest single-day fundraising event in San Diego’s history, according to Curebound, the organization responsible for organizing the concert. The funds raised contribute significantly to ongoing efforts aimed at advancing cancer treatment and research.
Curebound, founded in 2021, is a philanthropic organization dedicated to funding cancer research projects. Since its launch, it has successfully raised nearly $150 million, supporting around 150 research teams working on innovative cancer cures. The organization’s Concert for Cures series has proven to be a vital source of funding, amassing over $20 million since it began in 2022. Previous concerts have featured prominent artists such as Alicia Keys and Ed Sheeran, successfully attracting large crowds and significant donations.
The recent concert, attended by over 27,000 people, marked Elton John’s only live U.S. performance for the year as he is currently semi-retired at the age of 78. His personal connection to cancer research stems from his own battle with prostate cancer in 2017, which added an emotional layer to his performance. The concert featured many of his famous hits, concluding with a poignant rendition of “Your Song” followed by a fireworks display. However, “Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting” and “Crocodile Rock” were notably absent from the setlist.
CEO of Curebound, Anne Marbarger, underscored the importance of community support in making this event a success. The concert not only raised funds but also created momentum for further cancer research initiatives. The organization is committed to uniting leading cancer institutions to foster collaboration and innovation in research methods, as emphasized by Chief Science Officer Ezra Cohen. The participation of cancer survivors and individuals connected to the disease illustrated the concert’s significant personal impact on attendees.
In light of recent budget cuts at the National Cancer Institute, the urgency of continued funding and support for cancer research was highlighted during the concert. The funds generated through this event will go towards early-phase adult and pediatric cancer research, supporting groundbreaking studies that may lead to new treatments and therapies.
Elton John’s performance at Petco Park is seen as not only a chance to enjoy live music but also as a rallying point for increased awareness and support for cancer research initiatives. The combination of entertainment and philanthropy resonates strongly with the audience, demonstrating the community’s willingness to fight against cancer and contribute to advancements in research.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Vibrant Weekend Events in San Diego
San Diego’s Vibrant Weekend: Events from May 12 to May 16
Vibrant Weekend Events in San Diego
San Diego Hosts a Variety of Events from May 10-12, 2025
Additional Resources
- NBC San Diego
- CBS 8
- Patch
- San Diego Union-Tribune
- Axios San Diego
- Wikipedia: Cancer Research
- Google Search: Elton John cancer research concert
- Google Scholar: Elton John cancer fundraising
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cancer Research
- Google News: Elton John curebound concert
Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
